Academics at Newcastle University have called for tooth loss to be taken more seriously, after new research revealed the full imact it can have on patients' lives. The study, published in the journal Sociology of Health and Illness, found that participants were devastated by their tooth loss which some compared to losing an arm or leg.
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An audit by the Professional Standards Authority has found that the decisions made by the General Dental Council (GDC) at the initial stages of its Fitness to Practise (FTP) process afford protection to the public. However the report also highlights key areas for further improvement. These relate to record-keeping, timeliness and customer service.
The BDTA has now officially become the British Dental Industry Association, reflecting the increasing diversity of its membership and its ongoing commitment to actively driving quality standards throughout the industry. The Association represents over 80% of the UK dental industry making it the principal voice for manufacturers and suppliers of dental products and technologies.
Dental surgeon Jochemus Venter has been jailed for 18 months at Cardiff Crown Court for submitting fraudulent claims to NHS Dental Services for the provision of dental treatments totalling £47,947. The false claims were made from April 2006 to July 2010, while working at a dental practice in Llandrindod Wells, Wales. He pleaded guilty previously to eight charges of false accounting.
A proposed reduction in the number of places to study dentistry at UK institutions must be considered very carefully to ensure that it does not harm patient care, the British Dental Association (BDA) has warned. Judith Husband said “If workforce planning is to be meaningful, it is also vital that dental students graduating from UK institutions are able to develop careers in the NHS. Matching the available number of foundation training places to the number of dentists being trained is vital to achieving this.”
Read more: BDA warns over reduction in dental student numbers
The European Parliament has rejected proposals contained in the proposed revision of the Medical Devices Regulations that could have had a negative impact on a large range of dental products and procedures. Edmund Proffitt, BDTA Policy and Public Affairs Director, commented, “The industry can breathe a sigh of relief as MEP’s have seen sense.” and agreed to key amendments in the new Medical Devices Regulations.”
Read more: Europe sees sense on nanomaterials and dental implants